Is Unicity actually worth it?

Escrito por: Tatiana Velez, MS, RD, CSSD, LND

Revisado por: Rocío Rivera-Ortega, MS, RD, LND

In the world of sports nutrition, it is essential to choose products that not only improve performance but also support overall health. Unicity, a brand that has grown in popularity, offers solutions that claim to help manage insulin spikes and satiety. However, as a dietitian, I have a critical and skeptical perspective on these products.

Below, we’ll explore the most important details about two of their flagship products: Balance Mixed Berry and Unimate Lemon Ginger, part of the Feel Great Pack. I’ll also share my professional opinion on whether they are truly worth it.

What is Balance Mixed Berry and how does it work?

Balance Mixed Berry is a pre-meal beverage designed to provide essential fiber and reduce the impact of carbohydrates in the body. Its proprietary formula contains a combination of ingredients that are marketed to help maintain proper nutritional balance. However, some of these marketing claims deserve to be questioned.

Breakdown of Balance Mixed Berry claims:

“By delaying how your body processes carbohydrates, you feel full for longer”:
This is based on the idea that fiber slows carbohydrate digestion. While it is true that fiber digests more slowly and can support satiety, 4g of fiber per serving is a relatively moderate amount and likely not enough to make a significant difference in fullness for most people. That same amount of fiber can easily be obtained from whole foods instead of a supplement.
“The blend of plant molecules and vitamins helps with cholesterol absorption and proper digestion”:
While certain ingredients like soluble fiber can help reduce cholesterol, the amount present in one serving of Balance Mixed Berry may not be sufficient to have a meaningful impact on cardiovascular health. A much larger intake would be needed to significantly affect cholesterol levels. Additionally, the idea that vitamins and plant compounds alone noticeably improve digestion is broad and not well defined.

What is Unimate Lemon Ginger and how does it work?

Unimate Lemon Ginger is a yerba mate beverage that claims to help manage appetite and support goals through improved mental clarity and mood. However, these claims are also somewhat questionable.

Breakdown of Unimate Lemon Ginger claims:

“High-quality, purified, ultra-concentrated yerba mate”:
The quality and concentration of yerba mate can vary widely between products. Since this is a supplement and supplements are not strictly standardized or independently tested, it is difficult to verify these claims. “High quality” is also a subjective term that does not provide specific health information.
“Rich in chlorogenic acids, theobromine, mate saponins, antioxidants, and natural caffeine, improving mood and mental clarity”:
While yerba mate does contain these compounds, the amount present in each serving of Unimate may not be enough to deliver the promised effects. The actual concentration is not clearly disclosed, so effects can vary significantly between individuals.
“Promotes natural GLP-1 production in the body”:
This claim requires much stronger scientific evidence. Research on GLP-1 primarily focuses on specific medications, not supplements like yerba mate. Evidence supporting this effect in this context is limited.
“No added sugar and convenient single-serve packets”:
While the absence of added sugar is a positive, it does not justify the high cost if the benefits are comparable to a simple cup of tea or a balanced diet. Convenience alone is not a strong enough nutritional justification.

So, is Unicity actually worth it?

My opinion is NO. You are paying a very high price for effects similar to what you could get from a multivitamin, a cup of tea, and daily servings of vegetables. The product makes many promises, but in my view, the dosages are too low to deliver them. It falls short while remaining very expensive.

Pros:

Multivitamins: Provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Fiber: Contains fiber that may support digestion and satiety.

Cons:

Price: Extremely expensive for what it offers, especially when similar benefits can be achieved through whole foods at a much lower cost. The Feel Great Pack costs $210/month.
Insufficient dosages: Nutrient amounts are not enough to meet daily needs. It is better to focus on optimizing diet first before considering supplements.
Contamination risk: As with many supplements, there is a risk of contamination or inaccurate labeling of active ingredients.
Not FDA approved: Product claims have not been evaluated by the FDA, raising questions about efficacy and safety. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease, and should be supervised by a healthcare professional if used in a medical nutrition plan.
Weight loss not indicated: Some people may lose weight not due to effectiveness, but because they replace meals. Although instructions suggest using it with meals, substitution can unintentionally reduce calorie intake, leading to unsustainable weight loss.

Better alternatives for investing in your health:

Instead of spending $210 per month on supplements that may not deliver promised benefits, consider investing in nutrition quality and education instead:

Buy fresh, nutrient-dense foods:
Invest in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These provide a wide range of essential nutrients without the need for expensive supplements.
Work with a Registered Dietitian:
Learning how to balance your diet can have long-lasting effects on your health. A dietitian can provide personalized guidance and meal plans tailored to your specific needs, especially if you have medical conditions or performance goals. If you need individualized support, feel free to reach out. At Bilingual Dietitian, our sports nutritionists are trained to assess your needs and provide evidence-based recommendations to optimize health and performance. Contact us to learn more.
Meal planning:
Planning your meals ahead of time helps ensure you meet your nutritional needs. Use apps or online resources to create balanced meal plans.
Healthy habits:
Focus on building foundational habits like drinking enough water, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. These are essential for long-term health and well-being.